Its great to see another individual taking an opportunity on learning more about Android development.

I would recommend you getting a new laptop or desktop as some developing programs are RAM hungry. Though they should still work.

Building ROMs from source - To be able to build ROMs from source you'll need to learn allot about Android, ive never attempted this so I can't help you here. But don't worry, there are plenty of guides here on xda that'll get you set up with a Linux distro and a workstation that will lead you to compile your first ROM from source. Just use the search function.

Modifying ROMs, ROMs can be modified using windows so you wouldn't need a Linux Distro to be able to achieve this. Again there are plenty of guides and useful resources that can get out started, just use the search function.

Building apps from source - Building apps isn't all that hard to be able to achieve this. You will need to set up a environment. You can do so by going to the android developer site and you can start by downloading their SDK Pack. This contains vital files that will get you started. Also includes Eclipse studio (Application Creator).

Another info on android app development is that its based on Java. So I suggest you learn Java coding as others won't be as helpful. But no need to stress over this, Java is straight forward and its easy to pick up.

Modifying apps, you can achieve this by using apk decompilers (this can be done on Linux and windows) you can decompile the app and make changes within the work folder.

You can use the source code of an app (contains functions and commands) to build an app on eclipse.

The apk itself just contains the layout and looks. The src contains vital info for the app to run right.

I would have provided links but I am using my device. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks a lot Krishneel! (I actually had a buddy of that name in HS, he still needs to give my CD back lol!)

You have broken everything down fantastically. I'll get down to reading as much as I can about Java, all the while saving up for a new laptop. I'm real excited now. You've given me a lot of motivation and insight and I'm very thankful to you for that.

So should I go with a Mac or stick with Windows when looking for a new computer?

Thanks a lot Krishneel! (I actually had a buddy of that name in HS, he still needs to give my CD back lol!)

You have broken everything down fantastically. I'll get down to reading as much as I can about Java, all the while saving up for a new laptop. I'm real excited now. You've given me a lot of motivation and insight and I'm very thankful to you for that.

So should I go with a Mac or stick with Windows when looking for a new computer?

Thanks again!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

No worries mate, there's a fantastic place to get started in java coding its called "codeacademy".

Its all up to you on the operating system bit. Here's a bit of information.

If you're planning on building ROMs from source Mac will work as its based on Linux as I have been told.

If you're planning to work just on apps and further your work into ROM dev later on, you can use Windows.

If you want to build from source on Windows you can do so by using a virtual machine to run a Linux Distro.

Note: when compile ROMs you need a good PC and the compiling process requires lots of time. Which means you'll need patience but assuming that you're only going to work on app development for now. I suggest Windows.

But its up to you on what you feel is the best the looks, price, design or durability.

Sent from this toast making Nexus 5, you wish your Nexus could make toast don't you? (;

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